Skills Development for Hospitality & Tourism Entrepreneurship and Employability Programme

Duration & Delivery Mode

The programme is a 5-day course scheduled as follows:


Date

Venue

City

13th to 17th April 2026 Online

Virtual Class

11th to 15th May 2026 To Be Confirmed

Cape Town

2nd to 6th June 2026
To Be Confirmed

Johannesburg

Course Fee

Normal Price

Standard Course Fee
R 5 000.00

Early Bird Price

(Register and Pay Before 20 February 2026)
R 3 500.00

Online Price

(Register and Pay Before 20 February 2026)
R 4 000.00

Introduction

To complement the entrepreneurship and SME-focused initiatives in South Africa and Africa, Africa Tourism Innovation Hub (ATIH) in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) offers Hospitality and Tourism Skills Development for Entrepreneurship and Employability program targeting individuals – the frontline workers, middle management and professionals who deliver hospitality and tourism services every day. This component addresses the reality that not every young person can or will start a business; many seek stable employment in hotels, airlines, attractions, or tourism offices. Likewise, as hospitality services and tourism grows, there is high demand for skilled workers: chefs, hotel staff, tour guides, digital marketers, event coordinators, park rangers, and more.

This programme aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa 2030, targeting a resilient, digitalized, and inclusive sector. In South Africa alone, tourism is projected to support 1.9 million jobs by 2025, accounting for 11.3% of total employment. However, structural barriers - including a lack of financial access and a skills mismatch - continue to hinder young entrepreneurs.

By providing vocational type of training, reskilling and upskilling opportunities, ATIH and its partners ensures the benefits of tourism growth translate into widespread job opportunities and career advancement for Africans.

Focus Areas

The skills development program will offer a range of training modules and career support services. Key focus areas include:
(a) Hospitality and customer service training
(b) Digital skills and tourism Tech
(c) Language and cultural competency
(d) Tourism management and leadership.

Delivery Mode and Notional Hours

a) To be delivered through a combination of in-person workshops, virtual workshop, online e-learning modules, work integrated learning, in-service learning, and career mentorship & job placement.
b) A total of 1800 notional hours is required of which 180 hours will be contact hours (40 hours of learning and teaching and 140 hours of mentorship and coaching) to complete the programme.

Professional alignment

The programme is benchmarked against:

  • UNWTO TedQual competency areas
  • Hospitality & tourism occupational standards
  • Industry-recognised short-course certification logic

Certificate of Competence rather than academic credit accumulation at NQF level 4.

Course Models (Competency Streams)

The programme is offered as one integrated certificate with three assessed competency models.

Course Model 1: Hospitality &  Customer Service Excellence

Component

Description

Introduction

Builds professional service competence for frontline tourism roles, focusing on guest experience, service standards, and operational professionalism.

Outcomes
Participants demonstrate industry-ready hospitality service, guest engagement, and service recovery competence.
Objectives
1. Apply global hospitality service standards
2. Deliver consistent guest experiences
3. Handle service failures professionally
Core Content
• Guest relations & etiquette
• Front office & F&B service standards
• Housekeeping excellence
• Service recovery & complaints handling
Assessment Type Practical simulation and workplace scenario assessment
Assessment Criteria
• Service professionalism
• Communication quality
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Compliance with service standards
Course Model 2: Digital Skills & Tourism Technology

Component

Description

Introduction
Equips participants with applied digital skills required in modern tourism operations and marketing environments.
Outcomes
Participants effectively use tourism digital tools to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement.
Objectives
1. Apply tourism reservation systems
2. Use digital marketing tools
3. Manage online reputation
Core Content
• Booking engines & reservation systems
• OTA platforms & GDS concepts
• Social media & SEO for tourism
• Basic tourism data analytics
Assessment Type Applied digital project
Assessment Criteria
• Tool functionality
• Accuracy of system use
• Quality of digital presence
• Data-driven decision logic
Course Model 3: Tourism Professionalism, Culture & Employability

Component

Description

Introduction
Focuses on employability, intercultural competence, leadership readiness, and career progression in tourism.
Outcomes
Participants demonstrate professional conduct, cultural sensitivity, and career-readiness for tourism employment.
Objectives
1. Apply intercultural communication skills
2. Demonstrate workplace professionalism
3. Prepare for career progression
Core Content
• Cultural competence & ethics
• Workplace communication
• CV writing & interview skills
• Supervisory & leadership foundations
Assessment Type Portfolio of evidence + reflective assessment
Assessment Criteria
• Professional behaviour
• Cultural sensitivity
• Career readiness
• Reflective insight

Registration and Terms & Conditions

General Registration Requirements
  • Review: Please ensure you read these terms and conditions thoroughly before submitting your form to the ATIH office.

  • Course Confirmation: Public or online courses are scheduled for approximately 10 participants. A course will only be confirmed once a minimum of 8 participants have been secured.

  • Rescheduling: If the minimum number of candidates is not reached, ATIH reserves the right to reschedule the course to a different location or date. ATIH will notify you of any changes at least 5 days prior to the start date.

  • In-House Courses: For in-company training, the number of attendees is governed by the Technical and Commercial Proposal. If not specified, you must agree on participant numbers with the ATIH Sales Team.

  • Reservation Policy: Places are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis once both the registration form and payment are received.

  • Submission: Please complete the form in full using a computer or black ink. Ensure all required documentation is included to avoid processing delays.

  • Delivery: Forms should be emailed to registration@atih.africa.

  • Deadlines: Applications must reach the office by the deadline specified in the course announcement.

  • Registration Number: You are not fully registered until you receive a registration number, which is issued only after payment is confirmed. Once issued, your seat is officially reserved.

  • Schedule: Training sessions begin promptly at 08:30 and conclude at 17:30.

  • Inclusions: The fee covers course materials, training kits, certification, working meals (lunch and two daily tea breaks), and a group photo (conditions apply).

Fees and Payment
  • Inclusions: Quoted fees include all documentation (unless stated otherwise) and refreshments.
  • Process: Upon receipt of your form and proof of payment, ATIH will email your registration number.
  • Payment Timeline: Payment must be made within 7 working days of submitting the registration form. Failure to provide proof of payment within this window will result in the forfeiture of your space.
  • Final Deadline: All payments must be finalized at least 10 days before the training begins.
Discount Policy
  • Group Discount: A 15% discount is available for group registrations of 3 or more people from the same organization.
  • Cap: Total discounts are capped at a maximum of 15%.
Cancellations and Substitutions
  • Cancellations (5 days or less): A 100% cancellation or rescheduling charge applies if made 5 working days or less before the course.
  • Cancellations (10 days): Cancellations made within 10 working days are charged at 50% of the total fee.
  • Exemptions: Cancellations made more than 10 working days in advance are exempt from charges.
  • Delegate Substitution: No charge is made for changing a delegate, provided they meet the course criteria. For late changes, ATIH cannot guarantee the new delegate will receive documentation on time.
  • Notification: To cancel, email info@atih.co.za or contact the Sales Team directly.
Accommodation and Travel
  • Responsibility: Delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and all associated costs.
  • Liability: ATIH management takes no responsibility for any bookings made by delegates.
Copyright and Data Protection
  • Intellectual Property: Course and publicity materials may not be reproduced, recorded, or publicly displayed without prior written permission from the ATIH manager.
  • Data Usage: Client details are stored on a secure database to provide updates on ATIH products and services. Details are never shared with third-party organizations.
  • Opt-out: You may request to be removed from the database or view your stored individual data upon identity verification.
On-Site Courses
  • Facilities: For training conducted at a client’s location, the client is responsible for providing adequate facilities.​

Angella Mueni Mulinge


Lead for Public Sector Relations
Kenya

Angella Mueni, an astute Business & Finance Consultant with vast knowledge in Business, Finance, Human Resources and Administration, with over fifteen (15) years’ experience, is a seasoned Board Director at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), Africa’s premier events destination that offers exemplary international standard services.

In KICC, she offers her expansive expertise to the Board of Directors and Management with the aim of steering the Corporation’s MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conferences/Conventions & Exhibitions) business innovatively and sustainably delivering world class services in Business Events.

A strong believer in the power of positive thinking, fairness, and equity in the workspace, Angela prides herself on her contribution that has positively enhanced efficiency in service delivery and heightened customer satisfaction at KICC.  

Angella is passionate in driving the government’s Kenya Youth Empowerment agenda and is using every opportunity availed to her to push this agenda by urging the Youth to exploit their innate innovative ideas that are not only limited to technology but also in areas such as travel, tourism, and MICE. 

It is against this backdrop that Angella will be part of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Innovation Hub Advisory Panel during the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge.

Prof Michael Twum-Darko


Founder and Head of Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

Prof Michael Twum-Darko, Ghanaian-South African, obtained his PhD in Information Systems from University of Cape Town (RSA), Masters in Computer Science from American Institute for Computer Sciences in Birmingham, Alabama (USA) and Honours Degree in Computer Science from now Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (Ghana). 

Michael spent thirty-two (32) years as a lecturer Computer Science, Business Information Systems, strategic management in Ghana, Botswana, and South Africa. He has also spent 13 years out of the 32 years as an IT Project Management and Software Development consultant and IT/Business strategist in South Africa. 

Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Analysts and Programmers (UK) and has served on many high-profile committees in Botswana and South Africa as an academic, and IT/Business strategist 

He is currently the acting Head of the Graduate Centre for Management and the founder and Head of Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation (BIIC) in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at Cape Peninsula of University of Technology.

Maipato Caroline Mmako


Lecturer, Coordinator & Learning Development Facilitator, University of Johannesburg

Maipato Caroline Mmako is a lecturer, Coordinator and Learning Development Facilitator at the University of Johannesburg. Passionate about student success and student development, she has worked on an initiative called Africa by bus where she planned, organized, and facilitated 3 trips across 3 African countries with more than 250 students by bus. She presented at the South African National Resource Center (SANRC) on how the Africa by bus initiative encourages experiential learning and affords young people the opportunity to experience the different cultures in Africa while exploring the beautiful continent.

She forms part of the first cohort of fellows who were part of the Tennessee State University Research programme with a focus on student learning and adaptation; looking at the Nashville Next Plan. She loves working with young people and that saw her working in collaboration with a youth organization in Soweto where she led, collected, and donated over 250 books for the Nelson Mandela Day book drive.

She is also an avid reader and loves traveling.

Dr. Isobel Green

Department Head, Senior lecturer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia

Dr Isobel Manuel holds a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality, a Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Conservation and Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Cum Laude) and a Master in Leisure Project Management.  She is at present employed as a senior lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek. She is also the Head of Department  which oversees both the academic department and commercial NUST Hotel School. 

She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors at the Windhoek Country Club and Deputy Chair of the Council on the National Arts Council of Namibia.  Her involvement in local community projects and activities speaks to her portfolios on the various government boards and of which she takes great pride to be able to share skills and knowledge for the upliftment of the respective entities which in turn benefits the community at large. 

As a seasoned academic her research interests are of cultural, creative, heritage and sustainable tourism management which seeks to empower local communities more specifically women and which she has published in various journals and book chapters. 

In her spare time, she is an avid reader of novels and biographies and enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids. 

Prof. Keolebogile Motaung

CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd, South Africa
Academic & Innovation Lead

Professor Keo Motaung is a trailblazing Biomedical Scientist, Full Professor, and Founder and CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd, with over 26 years of experience in higher education. Her career is defined by her dedication to teach, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly in advancing biotechnology and empowering women in Science ,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Arts and Innovation (STEAMI). Throughout her academic journey, she has led significant efforts in teaching, designing curricula, and mentoring students, encouraging them to become not only scientists but also entrepreneurs. In 2016, drawing from her research into medicinal plants and tissue engineering, she founded Global Health Biotech, a company focused on plant-based medicinal technologies. One of its standout innovations is La-Africa Soother, a natural anti-inflammatory ointment for athletes and those with musculoskeletal injuries. For her ground-breaking innovation, she has received recognition from a wide spectrum of institutions because she has thrown the gauntlet in bridging the gap between science, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. Beyond her company, Professor Motaung serves as a board member of the Technology Innovation Agency, providing strategic guidance on technological innovation and commercialization. As Chairperson of the Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research within the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education initiative, she leads efforts across South Africa’s universities to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems. Her influence extends to shaping intellectual property policies as Chairperson of the National Intellectual Property Management Office Advisory Board, ensuring equitable IP management to support commercialization. A staunch advocate for diversity in STEAMI, Professor Motaung also works to create opportunities for women in science and technology, contributing to a more inclusive research environment. Her passion for science, innovation, and commercialization, combined with her leadership in capacity building and mentorship, positions her as a transformative force in biotechnology and entrepreneurship.

Akwasi Obeng Adjei

Director Of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management And Insurance, Absa. Internal Audit: Investment & PHD Candidate South Africa

He is the Director of Group Internal Audit: Investment Management and Insurance at Absa Bank South Africa and an academic with a vested interest in the Futures as a discipline. He has presented on this subject matter at several conferences and organisations and has received numerous accolades. He is a PhD Candidate (Wits) and holds an MBA (Stellenbosch), MCOM (Wits), BSc Hons Management (UJ), BSc IT & Mathematics qualifications.

Mr. Kwakye Donkor

CEO – Africa Tourism Partners & ATIH Project Lead

Kwakye Donkor is the Chief Executive of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) which is UNWTO affiliate member and UNWTO award-winning firm. He is a renowned strategist and expert in tourism development, marketing, brand management and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition/Events). He also has demonstrated expertise in corporate strategy formulation and execution, business transactional advisory and leadership development worldwide across education, finance and hotel development.

His expertise and experience have earned him the privilege to regularly serve on expert panels facilitated by international organizations including UNWTO, AU, SADC, The World Bank Group, GIZ, BBC, CNBC Africa, Channel Africa, ENCA, SABC and more.

Kwakye is a recognised and highly respected personality in Africa tourism, travel and hospitality space.

Mr. Sebulon Chicalu

Director Of Tourism, Ministry Of Environment, Forestry And Tourism, Namibia

Business Strategist, Travel and Tourism Industry Expert, Product innovation and development Expert, Presenter, Negotiator, Speaker, Moderator, GALLUP Certified Strengths & Talent Development Coach, Mentor and Employee Engagement Expert. His talent DNA are Responsibility, Strategic, Futuristic, Focus, Self – Assurance.

He is a Director of Tourism and Gaming in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. He has over the years developed and launched many hospitality, tourism services & products and events. He has vast executive management and Board experience having worked as a Senior Manager and Board of Director in the travel, tourism, hospitality sector and medical fund industries in both private and public sector over the past 25 years.


He is experienced in pragmatic strategic and tactical business management in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, strategic human capital, operations management, strategic marketing, product innovation and development, tactical corporate leadership, policy design & development, strategy formulation & implementation, employee relations and engagement, strength coaching and talent development, etc. He holds a Masters of Business Administration (MsM), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Advanced Diploma in Business Administration and Diploma in Marketing Management. He is certified in Corporate Governance and Certified GALLUP Clifton-Strengths Coach.

Barry Clemens


CEO - Hospitality EQ

Top 100 most influential leaders in Hospitality – Global Mice congress and awards 2019. Most influential Hospitality CEO for London – CEO Monthly Magazine. Lilizela Award judge for 5 consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018).


African Tourism Leadership Forum – Awards committee member & speaker, and current Chairperman of AYTIC. Recognised international speaker on hospitality & tourism topics. Advisory board member on several international institutions. Seedstar mentor. Barry has proven track record in successfully developing financially distressed businesses into profitable units.

With over 25 years of experience in the international Hospitality & Tourism industry, he has been a prominent presence in the field. He is currently leading the commercial activities for Portier Technologies, a company that provides the industry with technology which enhances the guest experience and enhances engagement with the hotel.

Barry was chosen as one of the Global 100 most influential leaders in the industry during the Global Mice Congress in Mumbai this year and has been a regular invited speaker at several international Hospitality & Tourism conferences around the world.

With proven commercial understanding, product, and business development skills, he has also been appointed to the adjudication panel for the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation competition. And will act as a mentor to one of the winners.

Silas Newaka

Southern Africa Innovation Support (SAIS) programme Country Coordinator- Namibia based in NBII

Silas is the The Namibia Business Innovation Institute (NBII) of the Namibia University of Science and Technology in partnership with the National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST) are the node of Southern Africa Start-up Award (SASA). He is a dedicated social innovator who is responsible for fishing, nurturing and cultivation of innovation ideas for the marketplace

Silas believes in partnerships and collaboration as a formidable tool to innovate and ultimately achieve a poverty free nation.